The best budget entries for the Fantastic Four: the John Byrne run (#232-293) with issues at $3-8 each, Fantastic Four #1 (1998, Heroes Return) under $10, and the Hickman run (2009-2012) in full sets under $40.
The Fantastic Four pose a unique challenge to the budget collector: the first 100 issues (Lee/Kirby era) are among the most expensive comics on the market — Fantastic Four #1 exceeds a million dollars, #5 (Doctor Doom) exceeds $50,000, and #48 (Galactus/Silver Surfer) exceeds $10,000. But beyond this inaccessible peak, the first Marvel family offers decades of accessible runs.
This guide gives you the keys tobuild an ambitious Fantastic Four collection without an astronomical budget. From forgotten key issues to undervalued runs that rival the Lee/Kirby era in quality, here is the budget collector's strategy for the first Marvel family.
Key issues Fantastic Four under $50
The first issues are out of budget, but the series of 600+ issues offers many accessible key issues:
- Fantastic Four #232 (1981)— start of the John Byrne run, NM copies around $20-30.
- Fantastic Four #347-349 (1990)— New Fantastic Four (Hulk, Wolverine, Spider-Man, Ghost Rider), under $15 each in NM.
- Fantastic Four #358 (1991)— new costume (black and white), under $10.
- Fantastic Four #1 (1998, Heroes Return)— Scott Lobdell/Alan Davis, under $10.
- Fantastic Four #570 (2009)— start of the Hickman run, under $20 in NM.
- Fantastic Four #587 (2011)— death of the Human Torch, under $10.
- Fantastic Four #1 (2018)— return after 3 years of absence, under $8.
Underrated Runs to Buy Now
Lerun John Byrne (1981-1986, Fantastic Four #232-293)is the second most famous run in the series after Lee/Kirby — and it's incredibly affordable. Mid-run numbers can be found for $3-5 in VF/NM, and even #232 (start of the run) does not exceed $25-30. A complete run (62 issues) costs $150-250 in good condition. Artistic and narrative quality at the top.
Lerun Jonathan Hickman (2009-2012, FF #570-611 + FF #1-23)is considered the best Fantastic Four of the 21st century. The numbers can be found in complete sets for $30-50. Hickman's writing is dense and rewards rereading — an investment that does not devalue.
Lerun Walter Simonson (1990-1992, #334-354)is a little-known gem: dynamic art, ambitious stories (time travel, Celestials), and numbers at $2-4 each.
Where to find deals
Dollar bins and massive prizes
Fantastic Four is one of the most represented series in dollar bins, especially issues from the 80s and 90s (post-Byrne). Issues #294-416 (1986-1996) can be found massively for $1-2 each. On eBay, search for "Fantastic Four lot 50+" — lots of 50-100 issues from this period often sell for $40-80.
Silver Age in modest condition
If your budget allows for a few Silver Age issues, aim for numbers #100-150 in GD/VG condition ($15-30 each). These issues contain classic stories and minor first appearances while remaining accessible. Conventions are the best place to trade these Bronze Age/late Silver Age numbers.
Raw vs slabbed: budget strategy
For post-1975 issues, stick to raw — the slabbed FF market is focused on the first 100 issues. Notable exception: Fantastic Four #347 (New FF with Wolverine) in CGC 9.8 commands an attractive premium and can justify grading if you find a mint copy. #570 (Hickman) is also starting to perform well in CGC 9.8 thanks to the anticipation of the MCU film.
Newsstand gems
THEnewsstand editionsof Fantastic Four from the 80s are proportionately rarer than for other Marvel series (the title's newsstand sales were declining). The Byrne newsstand issues (#232-293) are interesting picks — the premium newsstand on these issues is not yet integrated into the prices, unlike the Amazing Spider-Man from the same era.
Modern keys under $20
- Fantastic Four #1 (2018, Dan Slott)— highly anticipated return, under $8.
- Fantastic Four #25 (2020)— anniversary number #700, under $8.
- Fantastic Four #35 (2021)— 60th anniversary number, under $5.
- Fantastic Four #1 (2022, Ryan North)— start of the acclaimed run, under $5.
2nd prints and alternatives
LeFantastic Four #587 second printing(white sealed sleeve) is paradoxically rarer than the first printing and is still under $10. The Facsimile Editions of FF #1 and #5 are $5-7 alternatives to have these iconic covers in your collection. The complete Ryan North run (2022-2024) in TPB can be found second-hand for $8-12 per volume.
Reading copies vs investment copies
The optimal FF strategy: a complete Byrne run in reading copies VG/FN ($150-200) and the batch Hickman run ($30-50) for reading. On the investment side, focus your budget on a Fantastic Four #570 in NM (first Hickman, very underrated) and #347-349 (New FF) in NM — with the MCU Fantastic Four film in production, all key numbers will rise significantly.
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